Nancy E. Idso

   Nancy Idso, 57 years old, of Portland, ND, died on October 18th unexpectedly in the comfort of her home in rural Portland.     Nancy was born on September 24th, 1961 in Grand Forks, ND to Klarius and Joyce Balstad. Nancy grew up in Portland, ND with her 8 brothers and sisters and eventually graduated from the MPCG School in 1979. After graduation, Nancy moved to Montana. Nancy was married for a brief time and eventually had a daughter, Christine. After she divorced, Nancy moved back to the Portland area in 1984 with her daughter. Shortly after moving back, Nancy met the love of her life, Brian. They lived together in Colorado for a short time then moved back to Portland and married on June 29th, 1991. Brian and Nancy were married for 27 beautiful, loving years and had two more children, Cody and Carly.    Through their years, Nancy worked a variety of jobs. Nancy was a CNA, worked for a cable company, worked at La Rinascente Pasta Co. in Hope, ND, and eventually the job she loved the most, being a homemaker and mother. Nancy loved taking care of the farm, her children, and most of all her husband.    Nancy was a simple woman who enjoyed the simple things in life. She enjoyed many things in life included being with her friends and family, "over-the-phone-happy-hour" with Brian during the week nights when he is out west working, and her favorite was being on the farm with her dogs and husband, whether they were on the deck, keeping busy around the farm, or just relaxing watching TV. Nancy always enjoyed getting to town to meet with friends and family, and enjoyed the company of others. Through her years, Nancy was proud of her 3 children. Watching them, supporting them, and caring for them was something that always kept Nancy smiling. Everyone knows that the thing that made Nancy the happiest was when her husband would come home every weekend from working out west to spend time with her and the family. Nancy always had a smile on her face that radiated to anyone and everyone she was around. Her kind-heart and wild laughter was so contagious to all who surrounded her.    Nancy is survived by her husband: Brian Idso of Portland, ND. Her daughters: Christine Idso of Hamilton, MT, Carly Idso of Finley, ND, and her son: Cody Idso (Jordan) of Dickinson, ND; sisters: Mary (Greg) Dronen of Archdale, NC, Barbara (Dave) Hammarsten of Browns Valley, MN; brothers: Thomas (Arlys) of Portland, ND, Dean (Diana) of Mayville, ND, Bill (Mariam) of Portland, ND; her brother-in-law: Larry Dakken of Mayville, ND and sister-in-law Rita Balstad of Portland, ND. Nancy had 6 grandchildren: Jacob, Corwin, August, Ciaran, and Lyric (Christine) and Lincoln (Cody and Jordan). Nancy also had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt, uncles, and God-children she adored dearly.     Nancy is preceded in death by her parents: Klarius and Joyce Balstad; sister: Sharon Dakken; brothers: Bradley Balstad and Bobby Balstad.  Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at the Baker Funeral Home in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Burial: Will be at the Bruflat Cemetery in Portland, ND.